2 lotteries announced for Opening Day tickets

Orioles notebook

The odds may be slightly longer than a home run knocked off the B&O Warehouse, but a few thousand fans still have a chance to buy tickets for Opening Day at Oriole Park.

The Orioles announced yesterday two lotteries through which remaining reserved and general-admission tickets to this year's home opener, against Texas on April 5, will be distributed. Similar lotteries last year drew about 250,000 postcards.

One lottery will be open to the general public while a second will be limited to fans who've already purchased partial season-ticket plans but don't have Opening Day seats.

Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 24, and there is no limit to the number of entries.

Winners of the lotteries will be notified by mail, the Orioles said.

10 non-roster players invited

Jeffrey Hammonds, the team's 1992 first-round draft choice, and veteran Mark McLemore are among the 10 non-roster players invited to spring training. McLemore made the team as a non-roster player last spring and started 53 games, all but one at second base.

Other invitees include catcher-third baseman Rey Palacios, who played with the Royals from 1988 to '90; catcher Greg Zaun, the nephew of former Oriole Rick Dempsey; catcher Cesar Devarez; right-handers Mike Cook, who was 4-1 with three saves and a 0.70 ERA in the winter league and Todd Stephan; and left-handers Wayne Edwards, Jamie Moyer and Steve Searcy.

A total of 25 pitchers and catchers will report to Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota next Thursday, and the rest of the 46-player squad will report on Feb. 24.

Coming attractions

"A Salute to the 1983 World Champion Orioles" will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the ground level of Oriole Park. Several members of the '83 Orioles will be on hand to sign free autographs and 52 vendors will be selling baseball cards, posters and other memorabilia.